Kiggans votes for Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act

Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) voted to pass H.R. 28, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, a bill aimed at safeguarding fair competition in women’s sports by reinforcing Title IX’s sex-based protections.

“As a former coach and athlete, and the mother of two active girls, saving women’s sports is personal to me,” said Kiggans. “I was proud to vote for the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act today to ensure female athletes can fairly compete in sports, giving them the protections and recognition they deserve. This important legislation is a huge win for women, and I urge my colleagues in the Senate to stand up for women and quickly pass this bill so it can become law.”

The bill defines gender under Title IX based on reproductive biology and genetics, and it prohibits individuals who are biologically male from competing in women’s sports in events that receive federal funding. Supporters argue it provides clarity and fairness for female athletes, while critics have raised concerns about the potential impact on transgender individuals.

Kiggans has a history of advocating for protections in women’s sports. During her time in the Virginia State Senate, she introduced SB766 in January 2022 to establish sex-based protections in state law. Though her earlier effort at the state level did not succeed, Kiggans described H.R. 28 as a step toward ensuring equity and integrity in women’s athletics on a national scale.